The power of stories. Most parents and educators are motivated to share books with children. But perhaps we need to ask ourselves why we believe sharing stories with children is important? Read this article about “teaching stories” and watch the video interview with Susan Josephs at Hoopoe Books.
In Engaging Children in the Story, educational consultant Susan Josephs describes how she learned that children need the opportunity to meet a new story with openness to its magic and mystery. Check out this article and video about creating meaningful story times.
Humans have a long history of creating social boxes that categorize people. Sometimes, this imbues a sense of belonging … to a culture, or nation, or team. But a sense of belonging can also create a sense of exclusion of others. Stories can foster a sense of inclusion in early learning programmes.
Most parents and educators are motivated to share books with children. But perhaps we need to ask ourselves why we believe sharing stories with children is important? Read this article about “teaching stories” and watch the video interview with Susan Josephs at Hoopoe Books.
Ontario Reggio Association’s professional learning – In Dialogue with Indications – begins its series with listening. How can we tune in to hear children’s deep wonderings about their world? Four-year-old Aubrey teaches me to listen for her big questions imbedded in simple comments and the question ‘why?’
Without the influence of the Reggio Emilia Approach, educators can be tempted to use drawing experiences to slot children’s thinking into check boxes compatible with child development theorists or emergent literacy goals. But is this way of making children’s thinking visible to adults usurping children’s meaning-making?
Who is dressing up for Halloween?” the teacher began. She wanted to create a class book with each child illustrating one of their ideas to offer a children’s drawing experience that included each child’s contribution – to create a sense of belonging. But did it?
Racism. Since George Floyd’s death, we are looking into its face with new eyes. In this article, Susan Ramsay explores the challenge in early childhood education of teaching young children in the context of racism and white privilege.
The power of story is in the words and silences. ‘Once upon a time,’ the storyteller begins. Words – four words – capture attention and frame the listeners’ expectations. In this Reflection Susan explores the power of stories in the practice of early learning.
Two-and-a-half-year-old River stands looking upward, open-mouthed, delight shining in her eyes. This is River’s first visit to Ripley’s Aquarium. This underwater ecosystem is a world that, to River, is brand new. Inside her glassed-in viewing area River stays dry. She breathes. She watches. Tropical fish, jellyfish, and marine life surround her.